George Street Festival: Town of East Fremantle saves major cultural event after sponsors drop out

The Town of East Fremantle has agreed on measures to save one of its biggest cultural events after a funding shortfall left the annual event in danger.

East Fremantle’s George Street Festival was seemingly high and dry this year after a “lack of key sponsors” and “increased operating costs” posed a financial risk to the much-loved community event.

A meeting on October 17 called councillors to vote on an “increased contribution” from the town to cover a potential $30,000 funding gap left by major sponsors.

Another of the options presented to councillors also considered “scaling back” the event, with less spent on marketing and possibly also entertainment — including the removal of a musical stage and a reduction in children’s activities.

But mayor Jim O’Neill told PerthNow the festival would continue with its entertainment as planned.

“I think we’ll have to look at maybe more active sourcing of sponsorship,” he said.

“I think everyone recognises the entertainment is really what people go for.”

The annual festival has become a drawcard for the small local government, running since the 1980s and transforming George Street into a colourful array of stalls and entertainment.

Councillors unanimously agreed at the October 17 meeting to dig into the council budget to cover shortfalls and to allow officers to “mitigate festival expenses”, including a reduction in marketing activities.

“Historically, the success of the George Street Festival has relied significantly on external financial support, with key sponsors playing a vital role in its execution,” a council report said.

“The town has encountered challenges in securing the participation of key sponsors for the 2023 Festival.

“Additionally, escalating costs and budgetary constraints further compound the challenges.”

Despite the setback, the festival last week pushed ahead with an announcement of coming stallholders.